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Plated air fryer buffalo cauliflower with ranch dip and celery sticks

Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower: 7 Secrets to Crispy, Spicy Perfection


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  • Author: Rachel Bennett
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

This Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower is the ultimate guilt-free snack—crispy on the outside, tender inside, and tossed in spicy buffalo sauce. Perfect for game day, meatless Mondays, or anytime cravings strike.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into florets

  • 12 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil

  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch or panko (optional, for extra crunch)

  • 1/3 cup buffalo sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)

  • Optional: vegan butter or margarine, for homemade buffalo sauce


Instructions

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 2–3 minutes.

  2. In a large bowl, toss cauliflower florets with oil, garlic powder, paprika, and salt. Add cornstarch or panko if using.

  3. Place cauliflower in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway through.

  4. Transfer to a bowl and toss with buffalo sauce.

  5. Return to the air fryer and cook for an additional 4–5 minutes for crispy, caramelized bites.

  6. Let cool slightly and serve with ranch or blue cheese dip and celery sticks.

Notes

To make it vegan, use plant-based buffalo sauce and butter.

For gluten-free: use GF panko or skip the breadcrumb coating.

For added spice, mix in cayenne or crushed red pepper to the buffalo sauce.

Don’t overcrowd the air fryer—cook in batches for best results.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Appetizers, Side Dishes
  • Method: Air Fryer
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
  • Calories: 135
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 680mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 14g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg